subject: Computer, laptop and smartphone theft - are you protected? [print this page] Computer, laptop and smartphone theft - are you protected?
Everyone who's ever lost a wallet or a mobile phone knows what a hassle it can be - it's not just the replacement you have to worry about or even getting back all the phone numbers you've lost. With the popularity of smartphones with banking applications and automatic password storage, one of the biggest concerns you'll have is making sure you don't end up losing more than your phone.
Potential Dangers
It's super convenient - with just a click of a mouse of a swipe of a finger you can pay your bills, transfer money and manage your investments with ease. Because of our every day dependence on our mobile and portable computing devices, identity thieves specifically target laptops and computers in hopes of their getting their hands on this valuable information.
There are ways to safeguard against these threats. Consider these precautions to take:
- Note the serial number - every computer and smartphone comes with a unique identifying serial number. Make a note of these somewhere and keep the information safe. If your laptop is stolen and a thief attempts to sell it on, the transaction will be flagged to police, increasing the likelihood of recovering your items.
- Insure your equipment - taking out insurance on your equipment will give you peace of mind about replacing the equipment should it become lost or stolen. Many insurance policies will also protect you against accidental damage.
- Remember your passwords - while it's convenient to have all of our passwords stored on our computers, it means anyone who can get their hands on your browser can log into all of your sensitive information. Keep your most important passwords stored safely and manually enter the information each time.
- Be wary of lookalike machines - many laptop cases look the same and thieves are known to use lookalikes to nab your bags at opportune moments, such as when you go through airport security. Always check your bags and tag your items with easily identifiable markers.
Backup regularly - backup your data regularly so you have access to your most important files. While this doesn't help protect your identity in case of laptop theft, it'll make the process of recovering your information much more efficient. If your machine is stolen, make sure you change your online passwords, cancel any necessary services and report the theft straight away. For a laptop rental, you may be able to secure a loaner laptop to replace a stolen machine - check your lease terms and conditions for more information.
